Refreshing Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Easy Homemade Orange Vinaigrette
Refreshing Feta and Cranberry Penne Salad with Easy Homemade Orange Vinaigrette is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from quick lunches to delightful potlucks. This salad combines the creamy saltiness of feta cheese with the sweetness of dried cranberries, all brought together by a zesty homemade orange vinaigrette. Ready in just 25 minutes, this refreshing salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients like parsley and orange juice. Enjoy it as a main course paired with grilled chicken or turkey, or as a colorful side that complements any meal. With its make-ahead convenience, this salad is an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, feta cheese, cranberries, and parsley. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg